Leath, Henry Francis

Born in the family of a naval officer who died in the war against Napoleon . Remaining soon an orphan, he was brought up by a local pastor who sent him to study at the Royal School in Enniskillen .

In 1809, Henry Leath moved to Dublin , where he studied medicine at Trinity College . Engaged in medical practice. However, having received several awards in the field of poetry and literature, he decided to devote himself to theology .

In 1814 he became a deacon , the following year he was ordained. In the same 1815 he moved to Tagmon and became vicar .

Due to health problems, he traveled annually to the south of England. In the spring of 1816 he became a clergyman of the Church of England. In 1817 he was appointed pastor in Morazion ( Cornwall ).

In 1847, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis , after which he went to Italy for treatment. He died on November 22, 1847 and was buried in a cemetery in Nice.

The author of many church hymns , many of which are still used in English churches.

• Observations on the scriptures, suited to the present juncture: In an sermon preached at St. Mary's Chapel, Penzanze (1820)
• Poems: Chiefly Religious (London 1833)
• The Spirit of the Psalms (London 1834)
• Abide with me (1847)
• Praise my Soul, the King of Heaven (1834)
• God of Mercy, God of Grace (1834)
• Pleasant are Thy Courts Alone (1834)
• Manual of devotion

• John D. Julian: Dictionary of Hymnology: Origin and History of Christian Hymns and Hymnwriters of All Ages and Nations, Together with Biographical and Critical Notices of Their Authors and Translators (London 1892 )
• BG Skinner: Henry Francis Lyte: Brixham's poet and priest (Exeter 1974 )

• Henry Francis Lyte
• Henry Francis Leath